TheMultimedia
Messaging Service(MMS) is a new messaging
service that allows messages containing pictures, audio clips, text and in
the future, video, to be sent and received between one customer and
another.

Multimedia Messaging
Service (MMS) is a store and forward messaging service which allows
cell phone subscribers to exchange multimedia messages with other mobile
subscribers. As such it can be seen as an evolution of SMS, with MMS
supporting the transmission of additional media types:•text•picture•audio•video

Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is an important emerging
service, which allows the sending of multiple media in a single message,
and the ability to send a message to multiple recipients at one time.

Just as the traditional short message service (SMS), multimedia messaging
service (MMS) provides automatic and immediate delivery of
personal messages. Unlike the SMS however, MMS allows mobile phone users
to enhance their messages by incorporating sound, images, and other rich
content, transforming it into a personalized visual and audio message.

But MMS technology offers more than just a broadening of message content.
With MMS, it is not only possible to send your multimedia messages from
one phone to another, but also from phone to email, and vice versa. This
feature dramatically increases the possibilities of mobile communication,
both for private and corporate use.

The originator of the message, can easily create a Multimedia Message,
either using a built-in or accessory camera, or can use images and sounds
stored previously in the cell phone ( or possibly downloaded from a site).

Several Multimedia Messages can be stored in the users handset and
reviewed or forwarded at a later date.

Depending upon the mobile operator, a typical example of how MMS
messages are sent and received between two compatible MMS mobile phones is
:

1: Using an MMS compatible phone, take a picture.2: Use your mobile phone to personalize the message by adding text,
voice or sound clip3: Send the MMS message

On a compatible cell phone, the MMS message will appear with a new message
alert. The picture message will open on the screen, the text will appear
below the image and the sound, if any, plays automatically.

Comparison
of MMS with SMS:

SMS messages are not delivered in real time because they follow the
'store and forward' model. All SMS messages first get sent to the SMSC
(Short Message Service Centre) from where they are routed to the
recipient. MMSC (Multi Media Service Centre) performs an analogous
function to the SMSC for the purposes of this discussion.

Like SMS messages, MMS messages are also not delivered in real time.
However the actual interaction in the delivery of MMS messages is
different from that of SMS.

SMS messages delivery is quite simple - SMS messages get sent first to the
SMSC and if the SMSC can deliver the message immediately to the recipient,
the message is sent to them.

However, the steps for MMS are different:
The sender sends a message to the MMSC

When the MMSC receives the message, the MMSC sends confirmation. The
sender then gets a 'message sent'.

MMSC sends the receiver a notification that a new message is waiting
The receiver can then download the message immediately or download it
later. Once the message is successfully downloaded, the receiver gets a
'Message Received' indication.

Once the receiver has successfully downloaded the message, the sender gets
a 'Message Delivered' message.

Unlike SMS, MMS can use user profiles to determine when content should be
delivered - for example a user may choose to receive certain messages
after working hours.

MMS can undertake format conversion based on terminal characteristics and
user profile. This does not apply to SMS.

In the SMS
environment, storage of messages is not an issue since the size of a
message is small and the issue of storing a message arises only when the
recipient is not available (which is the exception rather than the rule).
In contrast, MMS messages can be larger. Also, they may be stored in the
recipient's MMSC for longer (since they may not be downloaded
immediately). This introduces a cost. Further, users may like to 'store
the message' more permanently There is an opportunity for storage
companies to provide such services for example photo albums.

Unlike the SMSC, design of the MMSC is not monolithic. Hence, MMSC design
comprises multiple elements. An operator may mix and match these elements
from various vendors.

Access to MMS messages should be independent of access points - MMS
messages could be accessed through 3G, 2G networks, fixed line networks
etc.

SMS does not have a concept of a user profile whereas in MMS, the user
profile is central since it determines when a message will be downloaded
for example. This is because MMS messages are larger and are not delivered
immediately to the recipient.

Although MMS
encompasses a wide range of content types, it is a logical extension of
SMS, making it easily adoptable for today's generation of mobile users.
Another advantage of MMS is that the message is a multimedia presentation
in a single entry, not a text file with attachments, making it much
simpler and user-friendly.

Images•Sending images and
snapshots from an attached or built in digital camera.•Ability to edit images
and add text.

Video•The ultimate goal of
MMS is the ability to send video (over a full 3G network).•The ability to send a
simple 30-second clip has enticing applications especially in the sports
and media arena.

The MMS standard
lists JPEG, GIF, text, AMR voice, and other formats as supported media
types, while unsupported formats are handled in a controlled way. Like SMS,
MMS is an open industry standard, and MMS messages can be delivered using
existing networks and protocols. MMS is also bearer-independent, which
means it is not limited to GSM or WCDMA networks.

The speed of MMS transmission, although quick, is still dependent on
the message size and on the bearer used. However, since the receiver is
not aware of the ongoing transmission before the message has been
delivered, the delay is imperceptible, making MMS as convenient to use as
SMS.